Days of Future Past
THE MOODY BLUES
The Moody Blues are a UK band that have had hit albums in the UK, US and worldwide – with an impressive 50 million albums sold and 14 platinum and gold discs. They started life as a Rhythm and Blues based sound in 1964, emanating from Erdington in Birmingham. Their name developed from a planned sponsored from a brewery and was also a nod to the Duke Ellington song: 'Mood Indigo'.
They were initially John Lodge, Michael Pinder, Denny Laine, Graeme Edge and Clint Warwick, undergoing a few line-up changes throughout the years, notably recruiting Justin Hayward as the singer. First signed to Decca Records, the band hit gold with their 2nd single, ‘’Go now’’ which remains their sole No. 1 in the UK.
Despite debut album, 'The Magnificent Moodies' sounding distinctly rhythm and blues influenced, their sound changed for their 2nd album 'Days of Future Passed' – which was more orchestral, and contained well-known track 'Nights in White Satin' which went on to become a million seller when re-released 5 years later, in 1972.
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They moved on to a more psychedelic sound that helped to define the progressive rock genre, with their 1968 album 'In search of the Lost Chord'.
The band took a long break in 1974, reuniting in 1978 with the album 'Octave' which sold well, and in 1979 the band toured the US and England, by 1981 The Moody Blues had reached No.1 again in Billboard charts and Top 5 in the UK with LP 'Long Distance Voyager'.
Between 1991 and 1998, the band took an extended break from recording , instead trying to perfect live music with an orchestra. 1999 saw the return of the long-running band, with the modestly received album 'Strange times' and an appearance on The Simpsons.
Since the turn of the century, The Moody Blues have released a live concert 'Hall of Fame', the film Journey into Amazing Caves and a Christmas themed album.
Their most popular albums were re-released in 2006, and the following year the now closed Hard Rock theme park in the US announced a ride: 'Nights in White Satin – the Trip'.
The band continue to tour.
Albums:
Sources: Wendy Gabriel; Debra Power
This information is provided as a brief overview and not as a definitive guide, there are other sources on the net for that. If however you have a story or information that is not generally known we would love to hear from you. Content@rokpool.com
